When the California Supreme Court ruled in 2008 that same-sex marriage was permitted under the state constitution, voters spoke out.

Campaigns were waged, rallies were held, and Proposition 8 – a voter referendum amending the state Constitution, declaring that “only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California” – was passed by 52 percent of voters.

Now a federal judge says that Prop 8 is unconstitutional. In early August, U.S. District Chief Judge Vaughn R. Walker ruled that gay and lesbian couples have a right to marry under the U.S. Constitution. In his ruling in Perry v. Schwarzenegger, Walker said the state’s marriage law “both unconstitutionally burdens the exercise of the fundamental right to marry and creates an irrational classification on the basis of sexual orientation.” The decision is expected to be appealed in what is shaping up to be a lengthy legal battle, possibly culminating at the Supreme Court.

Defense of marriage or violation of rights?

The gay marriage movement has steadily built momentum since 2000, when Vermont became the first state to legalize same-sex civil unions – legally recognized domestic partnerships given many of the benefits of marriage without actually being called marriage. Since then, four other states and the District of Columbia have passed laws allowing same-sex couples the right to obtain marriage licenses. In 2009, Vermont modified its civil unions law to allow for same-sex marriage as well.

Support is growing, but the public is still largely resistant to allowing same-sex couples the right to marry. Bans were approved by 52 percent of voters in California and 53 percent of Maine voters; Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives passed a gay marriage ban by a 136-61 vote, but the companion bill still lingers in the state Senate.

Many opponents of same-sex unions, including the group Protect Marriage, argue that marriage “is an essential institution of society,” and should be defended. Supporters of Prop 8, for instance, said homosexual couples should not redefine marriage for heterosexual couples; they worried that children raised by same-sex couples would not fare as well as children raised by a father and a mother; they feared that public schools would teach about gay marriage in a positive light.

Supporters of same-sex unions agree that marriage is fundamental to society. That’s why they believe it should be extended to include all couples, straight or gay. They believe that denying same-sex couples the right to marry – or outright banning gay marriage– violates the 14th discriminates against homosexual couples , they argue.

Walker agreed. In his ruling on Aug. 4, he wrote that the ban “fails to advance any rational basis in singling out gay men and lesbians for denial of a marriage license.”

“Proposition 8 does nothing more than enshrine in the California Constitution the notion that opposite-sex couples are superior to same-sex couples,” he wrote.

The decision is expected to be appealed to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

What do you think?

Did Judge Walker rule correctly in overturning Proposition 8? Does a ban on same-sex marriage violate the equal protection clause of the Constitution? Imagine you are a judge on the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. How would you rule?

udo
mr. pope Corbett highschool
it doesn't violate the equal protection clause because it affects everybody equally. No person may marry a person of the same sex whether they are gay or heterosexual or otherwise.

4/12/2016
amarillo, tx!

c
rhs
I believe that homosexuals should be granted the right to marry and receive the same benefits, rights, and protections as heterosexual married couples.

3/21/2016
sea,wa

natalee
EMS
im bi myself and i think people just need to mind their own business and let pepole marry who ever they want if you dont like that then you shouldent be living in america

2/17/2016
California

Jessica
Ms.Anguaino/Monterey trail
To me, marriage is just loving the person that makes you happy to wake up everyday. That person that just gives you the boost to make anything possible and is positive. So, if someone wants to marry the same sex it really doesn't matter about your opinion really...because if they truly love each other it true love. And everyone is looking for their soul mate and if that the same sex..what the heck..they are meant for you no matter what live brings. So, if people rejects the same sex, just ignore them and don't give a fudge about their opinion cause at the end it just you and the people you are deeply in love with. So follow your heart and marry them

2/2/2016
Sidney/ MT

Austin
Mr. Faulhaber/ Sidney High School
I think that gay marriages do somewhat violate the Constitution's equal protection clause. Equality is what every person is given in the United States. If a person wants to marry someone of the same sex, then let them marry that person.

2/2/2016
Sidney/MT

Brianna
Mr. Faulhaber/Sidney High School
Marriage is meant to be a union between a man and a woman. Marriage is a sacrament through the eyes of the church. The government should not be involved in marriage. Based off of the free-exercise clause of the First Amendment, the church gets to decide who gets married and who does not, not the government. The government needs to stay out of marriage all together, no matter who it entails.

2/2/2016
Sidney/Montana

Desirae Fasching
Mr.Faulhaber/Sidney High School
I believe that a ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional and violates the equal protection clause. The government is taking away the rights of same-sex couples to get married. Is a happy couple that just so happens to be the same-sex, have their rights taken away just because the government and others think its wrong. In all reality, does it really affect someone that much that a same-sex couple gets married. Do they have nothing else to do in their life or have any problems of their own to worry about that they have to go and make and happy couple feel unliked and ashamed of who they are. Being lesbian or gay is out of our control, just like who straight people fall in love with. We are who we are.

2/2/2016
sidney, MT

Cayla
Mr. Faulhaber/SHS
I believe Judge Walker ruled correctly by overturning Proposition 8. The people that are against gay marriage have no reasonable argument. They said basically it makes them uncomfortable and that same sex couples children wouldn't fare as well as heterosexual children would. Their argument doesn't have any facts, its just their opinion. The Fourteenth Amendment has the equal protection law, which in a living constitution would apply equal marriage for all.

2/2/2016
Sidney MT

Cyrus
Mr. Faulhaber/Sidney High Shcool
I think that the ban on same sex marriage violates the equal protection clause, however i do not support same sex marriage.

2/2/2016
Sidney, Montana

Robert
Mr. Faulhaber
Yes, I think Judge Walker ruled correctly. Homosexuals should be protected by the equal protection clause and treated fairly. If I was on the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, I would overturn Proposition 8.

2/2/2016
Sidney, Mt

Blaine
Mr. Faulhaber/Sidney High school
I don't think the Government should get involved in this issue. I don't like the idea but who am I to say that someone can't legally be with someone they love. Just don't start aksing for special rights just because you're a little different.

2/2/2016
Sidney, MT

Harmonie H
Mr. Faulhaber/ Sidney High School
Gay marriage bans violate the equality protection clause, because the clause clearly states that "no state shall deny to any person within its jurisdiction "the equal protection of the laws."" This means that no rights should be taken away due to differences, without a real meaning. Just because some people have a different religion or beliefs doesn't mean that people who are interested in same sex marriage should be punished.

2/2/2016
Sidney, MT

Danielle S.
Mr. Faulhaber
People should be able to marry who they want and have the same
rights as everyone else. Under the 14th Amendment it states that
no states can pass a law that denies liberty to its citizens. For a
state to ban gay marriage they are taking away that right.

2/2/2016
Sidney, Montana

Tayler F.
Mr. Faulhaber/Sidney High School
Gay marriage bands violate the equal protection clause. If heterosexuals are allowed to be married, all couples should be able to no matter their race, religion, or sexuality.

2/2/2016
Sidney, Montana

Reiley
Mr. Faulhaber/Sidney High School
In my opinion I feel like it does not violate the Constitution. I say this because people often confuse freedom rights and religion beliefs. Everyone does have a right to their own opinion as much as they have a right to who they love and want to spend the rest of their life with.

2/2/2016
Sidney, MT

Kyle Mueller
Mr. Faulhaber/ Sidney High School
A ban on same sex marriage is a violation to the equal rights protection clause. People should have their right to marry the person they love taken away just because it is different from the majority. If I were a judge on the circuit court of appeals I would absolutely rule that same sex marriage is legal.

2/2/2016
Sidney/ MT

Sierra
Mr. Faulhaber/ Sidney High School
I believe Judge Walker ruled correctly in overturning Proposition 8. A ban on same-sex marriages is discrimination which is unconstitutional. I believe they aren't hurting anyone by getting married and being happy. I believe that children will not suffer by having parents of the same sex. That doesn't make any sense. The fact that some people say it goes against their religion doesn't make sense either. In America we should have the freedom to decide our religious beliefs and whether or not we want to be a part of religion. The people who disagree do not have to be a part of a same-sex marriage.

2/2/2016
Sidney, MT

Dakota
Mr. Faulhaber/ SHS
I believe that bans on gay marriage does violate the equal protection clause because everyone was created equally and it takes away the rights of the individual.

2/2/2016
Sidney/Montana

Michael
Mr.Faulhaber/Sidney High School
My personal beliefs are that Marriage is the union between man and woman. But constitutionally and Politically it would be unconstitutional to ban their right to marry. The constitution wasn't made to defend to discriminators, it was made for the discriminated. Though people can keep their personal beliefs about the subject the same and i think the definition of Marriage shouldn't change, it wouldn't bear much fruit to bring it to court.

2/2/2016
Sidney, MT

Hunter Nice
Mr. Faulhaber/ Sidney High School
I don't think that gay marriage bans violate the equal protection clause. It's only because gays are different so society thinks that others are discriminating against them but in reality its not about discrimination. No one would care if an opposite marriage ban was in play. Like i said its just because gays are different that this is a big deal.

2/2/2016
Sidney/MT

Kelsie
Mr. Faulhaber/ Sidney High School
I believe that gay marriage bans violate the equal protection clause. Everybody should have the right to choose whether or not they get married and everyone should be able to love who they want. Homosexuality is a part of today's society and I think that people should just learn to accept it and move on to real issues going on in the country.

2/2/2016
Sidney, MT

Luke
Mr. Faulhaber/Sidney High School
I would rule in favor of gay marriage. I have no problem with people marrying the person that they love, and I think that right should be extended to all American citizens. People that are opposed to same-sex marriages should know that they don't have to marry someone of the same sex.

Mikayla Holley
Mr. Faulhaber/Sidney High School
This shouldn't be an issue, besides the fact that it opposes a specific religion. Half the time, people just oppose it just to conform to society. Same sex marriage should be and should stay legal, no questions asked, because if heterosexual people can marry, so can homosexual people. If anything they would benefit society if they were to even adopt children. They wouldn't hinder them in the least.

2/2/2016
Sidney, MT

Jarod
Mr. Faulhaber/ SHS
Of course they violate the constitution! Anyone should be allowed to get married regardless of gender, we're all human! I mean its 2016 now, how are people still so closed minded about people bieng gay?

2/2/2016
Sidney, Montana

Christian Eggar
MR.FAULHABER Sidney High School
IN my opinion i do not belive that it violates the equal protection clause. This is not a issue of weather or not it was constitutional its an issue of fudmental human rights. I do not agree with homosexuality and i belive that it does not violate equal protection. You see this in religous groups too! If someone were to not recognize opposite sex marriages then no one would say that it is discrimination. So in my opinion it does not violate the equal protection clause.

2/2/2016
Sidney/MT

Taryn Potts
Mr. Faulhaber/Sidney High School
I believe that gay marriage should be accepted in our society today.

2/2/2016
Sidney, MT

Clay Fox
Mr. Faulhaber/ Sidney High School
Same sex marriage is something that I, personally will never agree with but I am all for supporting others who happen to love someone who is the same gender. I feel that no one should hold the power to tell someone who they can and can't love. And I know that someone could make the argument that that couple can still love each other, they just can't get married. To me that is irrational and pointless. These homosexual couples exist everywhere and are cropping up more and more often, and this isn't a bad thing! This shouldn't be something that is a problem, let the people love and marry who they want.

2/2/2016
Sidney, MT

Kaitlyn Tibbits
Mr. Faulhaber/Sidney High School
Gay marriage should never have been allowed in the first place. Whether or not it is allowed by the government, someone is going to be mad. It is unconstitutional and unbiblical. Gay marriage should be banned indefinitely.

2/2/2016
sidney, MT

matt
Mr. Faulhaber/SHS
Since the constitution is viewed differently now than it was back when it was made, i think allowing gays to get married is constitutional because everyone has the unalienable right to the pursuit of happiness

2/2/2016
Sidney/Mt

Dominic Anderson
Faulhaber/Sidney High School
Banning any same sex marriage is an example of inequality and discrimination as in that we allow same sex marriage but deny them the rights to marry. It should be an incorporation into the constitution for the reason that it is presenting and inequality problem. The judge was right in the fact that proposition 8 was unconstitutional and I would have most likely ruled the same in his place.

2/2/2016
Sidney, MT

Tel Hermanson
Mr. Faulhaber/Sidney High School
My opinion is that marriage should be something that the government is never involved in. Government should have no say in who can marry who, whether it be a man to a woman or a man to a man. There is no where in the constitution that states that the government has any right to include itself in a union of two people. I think the government should keep itself out of all things that are involved in marriage.

2/2/2016
Sidney Mt

Lucas
Mr. Faulhaber
I suppose banning gay marriage would be unconstitutional, but I think that if people want to be gay then they can do their gay stuff somewhere else and not in public, because i really dont care to see that and im sure nobody else wants too either. I dont mind if someone is gay as long as its out of sight and out of mind and they arent being gay to me.

2/2/2016
Sidney, Montana

Kade Jacobson
Mr. Faulhaber/ Sidney High School
The government is ment to protect the beliefs of the few, not the many. The idea of same sex marriage is unknown and unnatural to the general populace making it a minority in belief. Same sex marriage should be made legal by states and the government.

2/2/2016
Sidney/MT

Lexi
Mr. Faulhaber/Sidney High School
I think that equality should be allowed in the gay marriage area. I don't think that gay marriage violates the Constitution's equal protection clause. I think that everyone has the right to love whoever they want. If people don't like it then they can go someplace where it doesn't bother them.

2/2/2016
Sidney Montana

Nick
Mr. Faulhaber
Gay marriage should be legal. I really can not think of one reason why gay marriage should not be legal. Although a lot of people believe that the perfect relationship is between man and women it is not. If you truly love someone homosexual or heterosexual you should be able to marry them

1/31/2016
Sidney, MT

Chelsey Metcalf
Mr. Faulhaber/Sidney High School
Equality does not mean that some rights are restricted to certain people. Equality should be allowed in this marriage debate. If opposite sex couples can be wed under government rule, than same sex couples should be, too. I would rule that same sex marriage is legal because if someone doesn't like it, than they do not have to marry a same sex partner.

12/16/2015
Las Vegas, NV

Ocean
FaissMS
I believe that putting laws on gay marriage is inhumane because it is in the constitution that all men are created equal. This is not true for everyone, though because they're obviously limiting people based on their beliefs.

12/4/2015
Watertown/ MA

Lily
Rimas/Watertown high
I believe that a person should be able to marry whoever they want. It does violate equal protection rights because they won't be able to live happily if they get banned. People should be with whoever makes them happy.

9/24/2015
Fort Worth, Texas

Moe
Fort Worth Can Academy
Banning same sex couples from marrying is unconstitutional because it violates the 14th amendment.

9/4/2015
Chicago, il

Lin
Zcc
I fail to see how gay sex /marriage has anything to do with constitutional rights. So if you want to have sex with your dog you're going to petition that right too? America has no conscience anymore and we are allowing sin to clutter the laws of this land. We are confusing "rights" and "Freedom". There's a huge difference between blacks entering a school/civil rigjts and a gay man having sex with a gay man. Yes I have gay friends and have had an uncle die of AIDS because of his lifestyle.

6/8/2015
La Pine, Oregeon

Julio-Juan Jose II
JHS
I believe that people all have the same rights and need to be able to marry whoever they love

6/5/2015
Stroudsburg, PA

Karissa
Mr. Hanna/Stroudsburg JHS
I have many gay friends and I'm ok with that. I have nothing against gay's or bi's and I don't see why other people have problems with them. To answer the question yes it violates the Constitution's equal right protection clause because what about the right that no one can take away from people? The right to the Pursuit of Happiness, remember that one? I've seen gay couples kiss in public and other people would gag and call them fagots. I hate hearing that word and I hate it when people make it seem like it's a sin to like people of the same sex. Kids whose parents want them to be perfect straight kids grow up thinking that it's bad to like people of the same gender as you and that if you do you would live a horrible life. That's not true and I feel that people should just leave others alone. It's none of there buissnes who dates who and of they get married. If they love the person they love them. If it's ok for a girl and a boy to date and get married then it's ok for a boy and a boy or a girl and a girl to date and get married. Gay marriage should be legal...in fact there is no reason that it shouldn't be legal. Banning Gay marrige is unconstitutional and banning this would be violating people's rights.

6/4/2015
Strroudsburg/PA

Jessica M.
Mr.Hanna/Stroudsburg Junior High School
I fully support Judge Walker's rule on overturning proposition 8. I can understand how stubborn human beings are when it comes to what is supposedly right, but I dont think that your opinion should ruin someone else's life. People have supposedly evolved and no longer think like cavemen, but they refuse to realize that saying marriage is only for heterosexuals is wrong. Marriage is a contract in which to people sign in order to be together in the eyes of the law. They say marriage is based on love, but when you don't allow homosexuals to marry it is like saying they dont have the right to love. The right to pursuit of happiness applies to this and if being with the same sex makes you happy ,then you should be allowed to marry. The ban on same-sex marriage also violates the 14th amendment which protects against descrimination. If I were a judge on the 9th U.S Circuit Court of Appeals I would rule in favor of same-sex marriage. The constitution is here to ensure that all citizens of our country are treated equally and if you dont allow gay marriage then you might as well take away their right to happiness . Marriage is the same whether it is man and woman, woman and woman or man and man, it is about two people loving eachother. Besides gay also means happy so aren't you also prohibiting happy marriages. To those that say children raised by gay parents won't fare well, I would like to say that most cases of child abuse,molestation and deaths involve straight parents. Also because someone is gay does not mean they can't raise a child and just because a parent is straight doesn't mean that they will raise the best people. After all history has proven that straight parents have raised murderers, drug addicts, alcoholics, cannibals and psychopaths. All I am saying is that your sexual orientation doesnt make you a better or worse person or parent.

6/1/2015
Memphis, TN

Abraham
MUS
Should be left up to the states not the black robes.

5/22/2015
texas

sabrina
pahs
heck yeah it violates the constitution's equal rights protection clause!!! pursuit of happiness, remember? i myself am not gay,but i have many many friends that are and they have dreams of finding the perfect partner for them but cant have a wedding because its "illegal". such a shame. people wont wake up and notice that by not allowing the LGBTQ community wed that they are violating the constitution. change it people, seriously.

5/6/2015
spokane washington

rb
svhs
same-sex marriage is a good thing!! infact it's a beautiful thing take it from this gay gal ;)

4/16/2015
Washington

Miranda
Meeker
Everyone deserves pursuit to happiness! It is a right. Same-sex marriage needs to be legal in all states. Liberty and Justice for all means ALL.

4/9/2015
fort madison ia

elsie
fmchs
i think they should get marriaed they love each other isnt that enough would you like to be told you cant marry the person you love and want to be with forever. i wouldnt. how bout you?

4/1/2015
WA

Wren
Kelso High School
The bible and the constitution are two separate things. It needs to STAY that way. Being a bisexual, it is very frustrating when people try to say that being gay is illegal because it is against the bible. FIRST OF ALL, the bible uses the word "Toevah" which means TABOO not FORBIDDEN, and it is placed next to the phrase "to discuss". It is taboo to TALK about, not an abomination to be gay. SECOND OF ALL, I would love to see WHERE in the constitution it says that being gay is ILLEGAL. In the CONSTITUTION. NOT BIBLE.

3/31/2015
ypsilanti mi

emmett sewell
superior school
This question of does the constitution protect gay marriage is truly what and individual believes even up to the highest court in the land, case in point Kennedy and Scalia,it is not about the constitution anymore only about how judges with an agenda can twist words and take words in the constitution completely out of context.if they truly want to be legal.let them pass an amendment like they did for women's vote,this is the only way they will not contjnue to destroy the constitution,shame on our federal judges and the supreme court

3/27/2015
Illinois

Hailey
student
I am 15, I have grown up knowing gay people all my life. I have two uncles that are and a cousin that is. I accept them. I dont think of them differently at all. They are just the same as you and me, no one should treat someone differently then just because you dont agree with what they are choosing with their life. I was raised to be fully accepting with everyone and I find that hating one someone because they dont live or love the same ways you do is bad because that's who they love. Their love is their love and their love alone. They dont hate on heterosexual couples because its girl boy; no because they are no different.

3/19/2015
texas

danny
coach p
Why are there marriage laws at all? To protect and support people who agree to commit to each other and their children? So why isn't everyone who agrees to commit to to each other and their children protected and supported by those laws? It's easier than everyone making their own marraige contract then going to court over each one.

3/17/2015
Washington

Kylee
View Ridge
I think that a religion should not stop someone from loving another person

3/4/2015
richland

lyrik
Carmichael/ Mcgeorge
two people should be able to love who ever they want . i have seen people gag at the site of two same sex couple kissing in public. its like when you were little when you saw two grow ups of different sex kissing you thought it was nasty until you got older . you grew up knowing that was right, so you kissed the opposite sex like everyone else. your not use to seeing people of the same sex kissing. but once you see it and get use to it ,you will finally open your eyes and notice that they are not any less humain then you are. but im only fourteen and im not gay but i do know that you guys should get use to people of opposite sex doing stuff that you would do with the person you love.

3/1/2015
NY

Airi
FR
People often say that same-sex marriage shouldn't be allowed because it interferes with their religious beliefs. This is like saying that absolutely no one is allowed to eat meat on Friday because of Good Friday. The United States promotes freedom of religion, so it shouldn't matter if what someone does isn't according to your beliefs. If I eat a steak on Good Friday, it would be ridiculous for people to commit hate crimes against me and try to prevent me from eating steak by changing the Constitution, wouldn't it? Just some food for thought.

2/24/2015
Denver Colorado

Julio Mario Garcia-monterez
Fhs
i believe that people should be able to marry whoever they want-no matter what. We have a guarantee of equal protection under the 14th amendment, and this breaks it.

2/20/2015
New Orleans L.A

A.I.M
Ellis/Crockett /Arthur Ashe Charter School
Gay marriage should be legal. I really can not think of one reason why gay marriage should not be legal. Although a lot of people believe that the perfect relationship is between man and women it is not. If you truly love someone homosexual or heterosexual you should be able to marry them.

2/10/2015
washignton

Catlyn Semer
sequim
Same sex marriage is a good thing less hate crimes and isn't there a happiness clause?? and this completely screws this up it should be legal sorry but in order too be happy you need top be able to marry who you want!

2/10/2015
india

fhcu
aos
i think people should have the freedom to do what ever they want with people that they love. l mean how can u tell people who to love and how not to love. i have a baby momma, wife, girl bay, yeah imma thot but i don't care what anybody has to say. even though i cut off most of my thots i don't care. I'm happy in my own little world.

2/10/2015
California

martin
crawford
If gay marriage is leagalized, it opens the door for other ideas like a 40 year old women's marraige to her cat.

2/9/2015
Chicago, IL

Kevin
Maine South
The 14th amendment says that no states can pass a law that denies liberty to its citizens. The states that ban gay marriage are doing exactly that and it's unconstitutional. Furthermore, every state would benefit by the increase in happiness that fairness brings. I would be very proud of my country if every state allowed gay marriage.

1/29/2015
Missouri

Catt
Bolivar HS
I am fifteen years old. People expect me to know right from wrong. When i do something "bad" i get told "You should know better" Sometimes this is the case sometimes it's not. I think calling people out for not wearing pink of Wednesdays is funny. I think that calling someone out for kissing the person they love in public is rude and honestly this "kid" thinks you should know better. Love is love. A couple is two people. Boy with boy, girl with boy, or cat with forty year old woman. Is it hurting you that they fell in love?

1/29/2015
Murrieta,CA

ed naeemy
jabro creekside
I think that same marriage should not be legal. The world has men and women for a reason. Men with woman. That's how we were made. I'm not hating but its wrong. It doesn't violate the equal protection clause because its not how the world is supposed to work. Men were created to coexist with women and to have kids and spend their entire life like that. When they legalize all this they are giving to much free agency. Then it becomes to hard to control. Its a bad example for little kids even teenagers they will grow up confused. I think judge walker did rule right in overturning prop 8. I don't hate gay people or against them all i'm saying is that its not the reason why we were created. Men with women its in our dna its how we were created. If the people and animals don't do their jobs on earth the correct way then were stuck in a bad position. We live in a world that people do crazy things to stand up for what they believe in. I'm not against gay people. I honestly believe its a phase some people go through and once you make that big decision and go through with that marriage and you get out of that phase its gonna be hard to get out of it. Plus if it was legal everywhere it'll become a norm in the society and lets be honest riots will break out and people who don't have the same view point will go crazy and that isn't good. People will get offended and law suits will be filed and it'll just go really south really fast. I think people are still getting used to gay people dating and have not fully came to the realization that marriage is gonna be next. Everything has its time and for the protection and safety of gays its better that we don't in every state. Time will test patience and when the time is right the right action will be taken. Its better not to rush something where the world has a very vague view point on.

12/16/2014
Murrieta,CA

Vivian Cabral
Mr.Jabro/Creekside
I think same-sex marriage should be legal in all states. Whether a man loves another man or a woman loves another woman, I don't think its fair for other people to decide their futures for them by ruling no to Proposition 8. Love is love. I have homosexual friends and I hear them talk about what they want for their futures and how they want to have a family someday. It hurts me too see them sad and upset because maybe they wont be able to have that because other people don't like it. It's just plain unfair. It is 2014 and same-sex marriage still isn't legal.... If people that like the same-sex and can't marry it is unconstitutional.

12/15/2014
murrieta,CA

mickey
Mr.Jabro/ creekside
i think that ,voting yes on prop 8 ,and it passing was probably the, right thing to do because i don't believe that same sex marriage is right , i think a marriage should be within a man and a woman , although i have homosexual friends and i get along with them , it doesn't mean i'm going to change the way i feel towards the subject of 2 men or 2 women getting hitched, because i have friends that are gay.
NO. i strongly agree that two men or two women shouldn't be getting married , i wouldn't my kids to grow up and see such things like that happening , much less see them trying to adopt and raise a child, those kids who grow up with parents of the same sex , end up being confused , and they think their parents and doing nothing wrong and i think the government should put an end to it ! .

12/15/2014
MN

Sarah
Pine Island
Same-sex marriage is none of everybody else's business. If people are happy; let them be. People should not be down-graded for loving someone. Putting people down for loving someone violating someone rights. LET PEOPLE BE HAPPY IN THEIR OWN LIFE.

11/18/2014
New York

Danielle
Ms. Ferris/OCS
Same-Sex marriage should be legal in all states, it shouldn't even have to be fought for, love is love. It disgusts me that some people say, it's against the "constitution" what is against the constitution is denying someone to marry someone they LOVE. I see nothing wrong with it, why deny someone love because they think it's wrong? What if people banned straight sex marriage cause it was wrong? There's many opinions on this matter, but denying someone the right to marry someone they love isn't unconstitutional.

11/17/2014
michigan

kyle
west intermediate
In the constitution it states that we have the right to pursue happiness. so if people can't marry and love the person they want, then that is unconstitutional. Telling a person they can't marry who they would like is the same thing as telling someone that they can't have ice-cream or telling a kid that they can't have a toy. No one would do those things but they would want people feeling like outcasts. i may not be gay but i do support those who are. be proud of who you are...-kyle harman

11/14/2014
Stroudsburg,PA

Jeremy
Mr.Hanna/Stroudsburg JHS
I don't think gay marriage should be ban because it's nothing wrong being gay and liking the same sex. Everyone is created equal and it doesn't matter what there belifs are. Banning gay marriage is unconstitutional.

11/14/2014
Murrieta

Elena
Mr.Jabro/Creekside HS
I would have ruled in favor of same sex marraige. I feel that this was definitely classified under the equal protection clause, it never went into detail about someone's sexual preference, so I would definitely agree with Judge Walker and overturn proposition 8

11/14/2014
Stroudsburg, PA

Gabrielle
Mr. Hanna/ Stroudsburg JHS
I think banning gay marriage is unconstitutional. If there are equal rights then gay marriage should be aloud. It is theirs choice to be whoever they want and banning this is violation of their rights.

11/13/2014
Stroudsburg, PA

Nicole
Mr. Hanna / Stroudsburg JHS
Same sex marriage should be aloud because it is a persons right to be go they want to be and like what they want to like it's their decision. The judge was right in over ruling proposition 8 because it is unconstitutional. It violates the equal rights for all people because everyone should be treated equally whatever the matter may be. I would rule that gay marriage is aloud because it is a right to the people.

11/13/2014
Stroudsburg, PA

Kevon
Mr. Hanna/ Stroudsburg JHS
I think it doesn't violate the constitution's because they should not worry about someones love life. I also don't see the problem in it. So I think it's just fine for gays to get married.

11/7/2014
missouri

lorie
jchs
everyone has he right to equal marriage wheather gay straight or hetrosexual.

10/27/2014
north baltimor Ohio

alecia chavera
north baltimore middle school
I think that all the people in this world should have the right to be able to make choices. it does not matter if they are gay and want to get married or if they want to vote.

10/15/2014
Valdez, AK

William
HOMESCHOOLED
Judge Burgess ruled incorrectly because the people of Alaska have voted against it. Lets say I want to put a ban on interracial marriage in Alaska, would that be legal? It is NEVER mentioned in the Constitution, the F.G. should stay off the States back!

9/22/2014
WI, NY

Mimi
WIHS
Judge Walker ruled correctly. Just because the people of an area vote affirmatively on a proposition or referendum, does not mean that it will be legal. The United States has a history of supporting illegal and unconstitutional laws-slavery, no rights for women, child labor, etc. Just because a majority of citizens believes or supports something does not make it correct.
Religion is a choice in the United States. It is a person's right NOT to practice any religion and no religion may be established nor advanced by the government. Simply put, religion is a club. You can choose-or not choose-to join it and pay its dues and follow its rules. That club has no right to make non-members pay dues or follow their rules. Laws are not based on religion. Christianity is just one of many choices. There are many branches of Christianity. Some support gay marriage; some don't. The Bible has nothing to do with the Constitution or the laws of America. Any argument that uses the Bible to deny gay marriage rights is invalid because Christianity has nothing to do with the American legal system. To defend Proposition 8, there needed to be valid, legal arguments as to why it should be illegal. They provided none. Opinions and beliefs are not legal arguments, and theirs were irrational and not fact-based. Marriage is a legal contract between two people. It has nothing to do with religion or having children. Otherwise, infertile and elderly opposite-sex couples could not marry. It's plain discriminatory to deny someone the right to marry based on their sexual orientation. This fundamental right belongs to two consenting adults who wish to legally enter into a marriage contract.
Homosexuality is not choice, unlike religion. Keep your religion in your church and out of the government! You do not get to force your religious beliefs on anyone but yourself.

8/15/2014
Murrieta California

Stephanie Folston
Mr.Jabro Creekside
No, Judge Walker did not rule correctly when overturning Proposition 8. He did not take the peoples votes into consideration. Instead he took his own. No, ban on same sex marriage does not violate the equal the protection clause of the Constitution because marriage is between a man and woman. In mans eyes people want a biblical right and the idea of marriage came from the bible. The bible never stated a man and a man or a woman and a woman. This is nothing like Brown V. Board of Education witch was a real controversy because it was skin color something they were ACTUALLY born with. Homosexuals are not getting denied any rights because they aren't qualified for this right. If your not married then your not denied or qualified. If i was the judge on the 9th U.S. Circuit Court Appeals I would rule unconstitutional. Homosexuals can go to a different state or country.

7/17/2014
Brandon FL

Audrey M.
Brandon High
If the United States claim that everyone is equal and have the right to pursue happiness then this is completely opposite of what we are claiming. We are denying people's ability to be happy by denying their equal rights and their marriage. I understand that people disagree with same-sex marriage for religious reasons- but we are not forcing them to get married to the same gender and we aren't rubbing it in their face that it's there. If they want to think that it's bad, let them but they cannot deny others their happiness if we want to remain a country that is equal.

6/19/2014
San Diego CA

Jacob W.
Correia JHS
I believe that denying a group of people rights to marry and giving states the power evict and fire gays from their jobs is indeed a violation of the Constitution. For the rest of America they are allowed marriage and cannot be evicted or fired based on sexual orientation. In conclusion it is a simple comparison of the two that shows us we are not allowing equal rights to all of the people of America.

6/12/2014
Stroudsburg, PA

Audrey R
Mr. Hanna/Stroudsburg JHS
Banning same sex marriage is an should be a violation of equal protection. Sexual orientations are a personal preference and does not have anything to do with others who think otherwise. Every human should have equal protection. Women and men are different anatomically but we're all still human. Same should go the other way.

5/30/2014
NY

Essence
WJPS
I think the fact that we allow young men and women to fight for our country and die because of patriotism, I think we should allow people to marry whoever they want. Its kind of redundant in that what gay couples chose to do does not have to correspond with whatever those who are against it chose to do. For example, if I like vanilla ice cream and believe it's the best choice, that's fine, and if someone like chocolate ice cream, that's fine too! Your decision does not affect me or how I feel. Your opinion is just as valid as mine. It's so frustrating. They [gay couples] pay taxes just like anyone else, they have families like anyone else, and they fall in love, LIKE ANYONE ELSE. Why should letting them marry the ones they love be a whole NATIONWIDE debate. Like it's just common sense. I understand there's a religious portion to it, but is it not in your faith to be compassionate, understanding and forgiving. HYPOCRISY!

5/30/2014
DE

kristen sheranko
Milford high School
i am a high school. i think that gay marriage should be allowed its individual rights and has everything to do with our happiness, and you can't help who you like. I think it is a shame that states deny them when in reality it is none of their business. I also think that if drinking is legal, then being able to marry who ever you want should be allowed.

5/20/2014
TX

Nic
Montgomery High School
I think that same sex marriage is something that should not be denied to people who like the same sex. Our constitution says that we are given the pursuit of happiness and nothing in the constitution says that same sex marriage is illegal. With states being more agreeable on same sex marriage, people can enjoy their lives and not have to go to a completely different state to marry someone that they love. You cannot change a person because of their sexual preferences and deny them their right to be happy and with someone that they love.

5/19/2014
Idaho

Joey
wood river
I think that same sex marriage is fine. The constitution gives us the right to marry who we want. So i think that we should be able to have same sex marriage. my state does not allow it but i think my state should allow it.

5/16/2014
denver,co

nikki
hidden lake high school
If people are marring or dating or even having sexual intercoure with the same sex i think that you should be able to express themselves and it even violates ur human rights so its agenst the law if you can. i am a high school kid and yet i know what is wrong and whats right

5/4/2014
new mexico

Tyler
ccps
I understand the fact that the bible states that any man who sleeps with another man is to be put to death, but the bible also states that any child whom disobeys they're parents is to be put to death and the is not illegal. Also it is someone else body and they are not hurting anyone by being gay or getting married so why should we care if it is legal or not. I do apologize if I am offending anyone in any way, I am trying not to

5/3/2014
Georgia

Noa
Lakeside Highschool
God loves everyone. Including homosexuals. But he does not love the idea of homosexuality, for it is a sin. Everybody sins. Therefore nothing is wrong in being gay. It is your sexual orientation. Embrace it. You are literally BORN gay. You cannot stop, help, or prevent it.

4/27/2014
New Mexico

Cynthia Mariñelarena
STHS
I really don't see the problem with people of a different sexual orientation. Everyone has the right to equality. It's not fair that its all based on their sexual peference. It's denying them their equal rights. In what way do they bother them? It's as if you tell someone they can't eat a twinkie because you're on a diet. This whole issue is ridiculous!
Let people be, if America claims so much that it is a free country why won't they grant homosexuals the same rights as any other ordinary citizen?

4/14/2014
Anniston, Al

Jessica Kelley
Wellbor high
It is wrong to not let homosexuals to marry who they love. Isn't that what marriage is about? Love?

4/1/2014
Grand Island/Nebraska

Nathan
Mrs. Hastings/Westridge Middle School
When the California Supreme Court ruled in 2008 that same-sex marriage was permitted under the state constitution, voters spoke out.
Campaigns were waged, rallies were held, and Proposition 8 – a voter referendum amending the state Constitution, declaring that “only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California” – was passed by 52 percent of voters.
Now a federal judge says that Prop 8 is unconstitutional. In early August, U.S. District Chief Judge Vaughn R. Walker ruled that gay and lesbian couples have a right to marry under the U.S. Constitution. In his ruling in Perry v. Schwarzenegger, Walker said the state’s marriage law “both unconstitutionally burdens the exercise of the fundamental right to marry and creates an irrational classification on the basis of sexual orientation.” The decision is expected to be appealed in what is shaping up to be a lengthy legal battle, possibly culminating at the Supreme Court.

3/30/2014
Las Vegas/Nevada

Josh
Mr.Fish/Arbor View
Understanding both sides is a difficult and lengthy task. I personally do not support same-sex marriage, but I cannot truthfully say that it is unconstitutional. On this note i'd like to point out that ALL marriage is unconstitutional due to the first amendment and "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof". Marriage started as a religious practice and no government, federal or state, has the authority or power to condone, authorize or give power to join people in matrimony of any kind.

3/25/2014
Michigan

Tammie
UHS
I don't think people understand that because gay marriage is an abomination and against the Lord, people forget that no matter what minister marries them....in the eyes of the Lord, gay marriage is not blessed by the Lord. The minister is also going to suffer for knowing that he/she should not be marrying same sex couples. He can not bless what is an abomination to the Lord. So really in the eyes of the Lord...they really are not married. The Lord will bless a man and women in marriage but not one of the same sex. So if the same sex couple truly believe they are married..they are really not. If this nation keeps kicking God out just to get their selfish ways, it will suffer even more. I truly believe we all have seen a lot of suffering in our nation. Yes people murder...but look at the consequences for murder, yes I understand people commit adultery, but look at the consequences when one does, it tears families apart. When people can't pray out loud in schools anymore...I believe it allowed the enemy to enter....consequences. They put prayer to God outside the building, people will suffer the consequences. I know i'm tired of hearing separation of church and state because God is not just in churches...you all forget he made this world, God is all throughout this world. God makes law and rules to follow for our good..he knows what can happen if we don't. When Jesus does come back to rule this world...there will be no gay marriage.

3/25/2014
Westland, MI

Summer
Undisclosed
I equally understand both sides so without bias and it's not about disliking gay people it is more or a morale and civil issue. Separating the to two to ensure justice without breaching the constitution. The Supreme Court judgement will comeback unfavorable for gay marriages. However commitment ceremonies can still be performed.

3/21/2014
michigan

Emma
white lake middle
I think that same the same sex marriage discussion is none of anyone else bushiness and it has not become an issue until recently.

3/19/2014
washington state

sophie
mw
getting mad at someone for being gay is like getting mad at someone for eating cake because youre on a diet. its not logical!

3/18/2014
Des Moines Washington

Destinee
Kent Mountain View Academy
I think that limiting the rights of someone based upon what they prefer is crazy. That is like saying telling someone they cant buy crunchy peanut butter because you don't like it. If it doesn't have a direct influence on you then why does it matter?

3/10/2014
Bellevue

Rin
Tyee Middle School
Same sex marriage technically does not violate the Constitution, as there are no mentions of marriage in it. People deserve to marry who they love, and apparently, by some government officials, marriage is NOT the union of two people who love each other, but it is for procreation reasons. There really isn't a big need to procreate as much, because the human population is over 8 billion. Gay couples adopt orphans who were abandoned BY straight couples. Yes, some orphans were so called "accidents" and maybe the mother could not afford to raise the child, but that can happen.

2/26/2014
Ohio

Brooklyn Mayana
Independence Highschool
Im sorry, but I don't care who you are or what you think but all have the right to the pursuit of happiness. And this is coming from a christian, people have made me feel obligated to be against this or feel as though im a bad person because i support it. But I can't think that just because i believe in a specific someone/something , that i should have the right to determine someones happiness. Its not fair. They deserve the same rights, protection, and ability to perform whatever actions they choose. If you don't like it then fine. It doesn't matter. And why? Because it doesn't concern you. I don't understand how this topic is not unconstitutional, i mean seriously your are taking away innocent humans rights just because you think their ways of life are "gross" or "inappropriate" ? I find this to be complete ignorance.

2/26/2014
Virginia

Susanna
SHS
With true freedom comes true chaos. There are many things that our laws forbid us to do. Should we give up all morality in exchange for the right to do what we please? If there is no right or wrong, our society will go into flames; it will take away the freedom of others. What's to say this is not an infringement against the individual beliefs of a culture? It's not an entirely justified argument on the religious standpoint by saying this is a sin: that would be hypocritical, but nonetheless, we need to have boundaries. I think people have the wrong idea about America with regards to gay marriage. America is allowing this, don't you see? 100 years ago, hey 50 years ago, it was a disgrace to be gay and those people were pushed down in society. Now, American society almost glorifies homosexuality and self-expression. I agree, this argument is petty. If we should argue about something, let it be the war in Afghanistan we've been fighting and how morally incorrect that is or the war on poverty or cancer or crime or unemployment or illiteracy or other things that cost lives when they go unnoticed and unsolved. We are the future, right?

2/25/2014
Calhoun Mo

Kiko
CHS
Go vote, or shut up .The majority rules.We the people are loosing are rights everyday, far more important ones the this unnatural union.State of affairs of this country, are out of control...World War in our future.Pathetic issue considering.

2/14/2014
Grassfield High School

Peter
Grassfield High School
It is wrong that lawyers change what voters in states agreed upon. We are not living in a country where a small group of self-declared experts define what we can do. They are not even elected to the position. Laws and regulations have to be made by the legislative branch of government. Violating this principle of separation of powers results in too much power in one branch and endangers our country.
Gay marriage bans are state rights. If there are amendments, they can easily be corrected if enough people want it. That is how it should be done. Right now, this is bullying.

2/10/2014
Sand Springs, OK

Audrina
Central Ninth Grade Center
Homosexual marrige is right just because we like the same gender dose not mean we are not humans or americans. We deserve the same rights we are not wrong or as it says in the bible abominations to god. If so then ur god is judging when he said he dose not so he is lying to u right? I thought so so u who think its wrong or it dosnt deserve to be called marigge then you are judging. Thank you though you just make my love for wemon more stronger to prove you wrong.

2/5/2014
Tumwater WA

tristen
G.W. Bush Middle School
SAME SEX MARRIAGE IS RIGHTFUL FOR OTHERS

1/30/2014
Neosho

Elizabeth
Neosho High School
1st Marriage isn't a religious concept it is a legal recognition of your significant other that then comes with nifty tax deals and rights to be next of kin in a hospital setting, so forth so on. If you want to complain about them ruining a religious ceremony then worry about the wedding, not the marriage itself. The wedding is where religion comes into play. 2nd, the supreme court ruled DOMA unconstitutional and abolished it therefore any other ban on gay marriage must be unconstitutional as well.

1/24/2014
Virginia

Brooke Stanley
Parkway Christian Academy
I am not going to discuss whether being "gay" is okay or not, because i was not given the right to judge others. i will say, marriage is a christian act. If a man wants to be with a man or a woman wants to be with a woman, so be it...but don't call it marriage. find another term that will give you the benefits of being one household. just don't try to force yourself into a christian tradition that has so much more to it than just living in the same house.

1/22/2014
Seattle

Tony
Kellogg Middle School
You don't have to do it to support it.

1/16/2014
North Carolina

Jacob
AGMS
Well what type of country do we live in now? They dont allow same sex marriage but america is free? I say mind your own buisness america. If people want to get married then let them. The US wont last another 10 years and if it does ill be moved out anyways. Is america going to be ban being gay? People can help if they are gay! IS america going to ban people wheelchairs becasue people can help that they cant walk? Maybe but you can never know with america they want us to pay taxes but they cant pay off there debt to other countrys. I really despise government.

1/13/2014
El Monte Ca

nueva
Fernando R Ledesma
i think gay marriage should be legal. It is a form of discrimination and also violates our first amendment. proposition 8 and DOMA are declared unconstitutional. there isn't no type of affect to anybody. Religious beliefs can stay judging but you people have to know that nothing is going to change people on how they should live life. No possible way this can change everyone way of seeing things. Every one lives there life diffrent right ?

12/12/2013
IA

Destiny
Davenport West High School
Sir, you need to go take another look at your history book. Homosexuality has been around for a VERY long time, since before the Constitution was even written.
In fact, it's because of a GAY man that the Constitution was able to BE written.
Major. gen. Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben, known as the Father of the American military, was homosexual. He was Chief of Staff to George Washington in the Continental army, and personally recruited by Benjamin Franklyn himself. Both of whom knew about Steuben's "preferences." Neither of them cared though - in fact, Washington even allowed Steuben to share sleeping quarters with his male French lover, Pierre Etienne Duponceau. After the war Washington rewarded Steuben with a house in Valley Forge. That doesn't sound like disapproval or disgust to me. Without him, this country and our formidable military would not exist today.
Secondly, the reason homosexuals are not mentioned in the Constitution specifically is because the Constitution's rights were created for the individual, not the category they belong to. It's called Unspoken Principle.
Lastly, you will never see a gay baby or toddler because at that age even THEY don't yet know if they are gay or straight. They have no sexual preference at all because they have not reached the age of development in which men and women become sexually aware of themselves and of others.
If you are going to make wild statements, please use a stronger argument to back them up next time. :)

12/9/2013
Texas

Linda
Plummer Middle School
I believe that everyone is the same and love is just love. No one should be denied of the right to be married or of benefits, so why take them away? Why does the constitution have EQUAL in it? All people should have same rights to everything they do.

12/5/2013
TX

Allison
WJH
If someone claims you shouldn't be gay because the bible says so, think of all the other things the bible says. The bible says you shouldn't murder or steal, and that occurs everyday. You can't really control who you are or are going to be, so why try to control anyone else? Support gay marriage!

12/5/2013
Macomb, MI

Devin
International Academy
The reason the constitution does not mention anything about gay marriage is because back then they didn't think that America would get to the point where men wanted to be with men and women wanted to be with women. It seems today that to be "normal" in society, you have to be "different." The writers of the constitution were very specific in assigning writes and powers but why didn't they mention anything even remotely applying to gay marriage? Because never in a million years did they think American society would be so corrupt and so wrong. It was an absurd idea and to me still is. Homosexuality is a choice. No one is born gay, if that's the case then show me a gay baby or toddler. Murderers aren't born murderers. It is choice, as is homosexuality.

12/5/2013
Grand Ledge, Michigan

......
Grand Ledge High School
Same-sex marriage should be legalized because being gay is not a choice. In america we are all supposed to be given equal rights, so why is there an exception with homosexuals? If gays had the right to marry think about al the children that would become adopted. If you don't like gay marriage, that's okay, but you shouldn't stop homosexual marriage. What if someone tried stopping your marriage because it was "wrong"? Why can't we just let people love who they want to love and that be the end of it.

Maria Rodriguez
Bear Creek High school
I mean why not?? Let them fall hopelessly in love and then regret it all later. Let them live their lives as we live ours. we shouldn't be so concerned on whether or not somebody is gay. its like hanging out with somebody only because they have black hair . Let them LIVE and LOVE

11/27/2013
Boulder, Colorado

Emerson
Louisville Middle School
I think gay marriage should be for everyone under the federal law. It does not hurt anyone, so why not allow it?

11/22/2013
Michigan

Laura
Lakeland High
Gay marriage should be legalized. There is no way that having gay couples married, is affecting the rest of society. The right of equality is being violated by banning gay marriage. They have the same rights as heterosexual couples. This debate has nothing to do with religious beliefs. It has everything to do with civil rights.

11/19/2013
gooding,idaho

jaedyn
nva
i think that stopping gay marriage is unconstitutional

11/19/2013
new haven

mali
jepson
same sex marriage should be allowed because every citizen has a right to freedom of speech even they love they same sex thats there right and it shouldnt be taken away

11/15/2013
Spokane, WA

Jess
Lewis and Clark high school
Same sex marriage should be legal in all states. And using religion as a argument doesn't really work. There is a reason that the church and government are separate. We should all be allowed to marry who we love.

Kaala
Waialua High
Gay marriage should be legal in every state. Letting marriage be exclusive between man and woman does give the notion that heterosexual couples are superior. In the end, the fight is for equality, anyways. Equal rights amongst all human beings, that is.
Also, lets not use religion when arguing legality. The two are not compatible when discussing US law and it weakens your points made. I would only bring up religion when making a case about a country with a theocratic government.

10/23/2013
pa

kay
north penn
@obi if you even read a speck of the Bible an woed randomly out of a google search engine, yold see that those verses dont even pertain to your argument. Leviticus 18:22 - Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. As a Constitutional issue it is up to the state to make that decision though.

10/9/2013
waxhaw NC

obi
cuthbertson high school
leave the Gay people alone, let them be able to love/marry whoever they want. i know in the bible/constitution it talks about a man and a woman; but people don't obey everything in the people like how the bible tells children not to disobey their parents, but you see kids doing that anyways. so you can kill a woman if she is not a virgin when married(deutronomy 22:13-21) and have a right to have concubines(2 sam 5:13) but not gay marriage; really?

10/8/2013
Birmingham/ Alabama

Erin
Smith
I say it isn't because people have rights. This should be included in that category. If you want to marry someone of your same gender that have at it in my opinion. I have no problem with it. I have seen an adult suffer deep depression because they couldn't marry the one they loved. I honestly this is ridiculous. If you want to marry a boy and your a boy or a girl and your a girl. I couldn't care less. Just don't try to pressure me into it.

10/2/2013
Melrose

Kris
Proviso East High
I believe same sex marriage should be legalized and that it would in no way desecrate the "sanctity" of marriage, marriage is something that should be given to anyone who loves one another regardless of sexual orientation, most opposite sex marriages are ending in divorce why not let the gays marry? Marriage is a word but love is not just a word but a feeling, and words will always gain new meanings but a feeling will forever be a feeling. Religion shouldn't matter when it comes to people and their rights, and i think that if "God", truly loved man he would let man love who they wish.

9/26/2013
Winchester, Va

Bob
Millbrook High School
Gay marriage should not be legalized. End of story all of you are uneducated people that are going with the flow and "believing" what everyone else does.

9/21/2013
New York, New York

Baxter
Homosexaulity or "gay" marriage is not a constitutional issue or right. My right to liberty was denied becuse I was not submissive to this life. The 14th grants citizenship to everyone, and the due process clause prohibits state and local governments from depriving persons of life, and liberty, just to name a few appliacations of the 14th. In addition, America is not a Country it is a corporation.

9/18/2013
MD

Rachel
QO
So I don't get it. Why is it so important to some people for gay marriage to not be passed. I'll admit that I'm a die-hard liberal, but why do people care about unions that don't affect them. It's really just an ideological struggle that government should not complicate. Eventually it will pass every where just like same race marriage.

8/24/2013
Galesburg/Illinois

Genny M
Galesburg High School
Gay marriage should be legalized in all 50 states . They say love has no limits . So why put a boundary on who's allowed to marry who ?

6/7/2013
bellvue/washington

Eleanor and sarah
Ms. Stover/cherry crest elementary
gay marrige should be legal in every state

5/23/2013
Lacey, Washington

Celeste
Aspire Middle School
Gay marriage really should ot be legalized. They should have all the rights that other married couples had, but it shouldn't be called marriage. The original and ONLY definition of the word marriage specifically states that it is between a man and a woman. I am for civil unions just don't call it marriage. Gay people deserve to be a couple. I just don't want it to ruin and desecrate the term marriage.

5/19/2013
Bristol

Felicity
CHMS
There is definitely nothing wrong with gay marriage. Why are homosexual relationships different from heterosexual relationships? They're both out of love. It's unfair the cruelty they have to suffer from.

5/14/2013
ohio

terrence
cleveland heights high school
there is nothing wrong with it just leave gays alone

4/29/2013
GB

Anonomys
East Middle School
I think same sex marriage should be legal, because you're not physically hurting anyone. Also, if you really love someone, you should be able to show it.

4/27/2013
Virginia

James
Fairfax
@Erin: This country was not based on the Bible or Christianity. Your argument relies on the assumption that anything prohibited in the Bible is unconstitutional per se. This is not correct. The real question is what the Constitution says about gay marriage. The government can overturn state laws without violating federalism because 14A applies to the states. If you do not support gay marriage, then maybe you could argue gay marriage has no historical basis as a fundamental right and therefore is not protected under 14A Equal Protection. Or you could say that moral basis is a compelling government interest and go with Scalia's argument. No matter how you feel, at least make a constitutional argument b/c this is a constitutional issue.

4/27/2013
St. Joseph Michigan

Amy
Lakeshore High School
Gay Marriage should definatly be legal. It should not be up to the states, because that means if you are married in one state and move to another you aren't married anymore? That makes no sense. The arguement that it is against your religion is completely invalid; since it was ruled that state and religion is seperated.

4/26/2013
Olympia, Washington

Mariah
Jefferson Middle School
i think that same sex marriage should be legal everywhere. its fine, i mean really all that they want is to have a way to be bound to each other.

4/16/2013
waukesha

angie
waukesha south high school
honestly i agree that gay marriage should be for everyone its not up to others to choose ppl's paths and thoughts for them its not like a murder their not killing anyone they just want to be with their lover

4/8/2013
Texas

Halee
EHS
Honestly I Believe That Gay Marriage Is Not A Problem And That It In A Sort Does But Does Not Affect Our Freedom. Well I think we all have choices some not good some great so if some one is gay why should you be consernd about them just do you

4/8/2013
Pennsylvania

Erin
WPHS
The Constitution gives everyone equal rights; however, this country was based on the Bible and Christianity and the Bible clearly states both in Leviticus and Romans that homosexuality is a sin. You call me a "hater" because I'm a Christian and I know that being a homosexual is a sin. Christians don't hate homosexuals, we know that God just calls them to change their lives to honor Him. If your best friend was a murderer, you would still like her as a person, but you would want her to stop being a murderer b/c murdering is bad. It's the same thing with a homosexual. Another reason why homosexuality is bad: what if they adopt a child? There are studies to prove that a child who is raised by a single parent is not as nurtured as a child who has a mom and a dad. If all these homosexual couples adopt children, there will be a huge amount of children running around who are dysfuntional because they don't have both a mom and a dad. I hope all that made sense, because basically what I'm trying to say is this: homosexuality is a sin and California should be allowed to decide for itself whether or not it is allowed there. The federal government should not be able to overturn most state-made decisions, including Prop 8.

3/27/2013
Ohio

Dave
HHS
Marriage is a religious title and should be wiped from federal and state law. Everyone should get a civil union from the government and a marriage license from their religious organization (or not). That would solve this discussion. Otherwise, what's to stop a man from marrying his adult son, or brothers from marrying their sisters? How dare you deny their rights!

3/22/2013
Michigan

Heather
HHS
Equality. All men are treated equal. How can the United States deny Gay Marriage when denying it causes a problem with equality? It makes no sense. It's the United States against the United States.

3/20/2013
Denver/Colorado

Arely
Mumby/john f. kennedy high school
My opinion to guy marriage is that i should be legal in all states not just 4 states y because they should be happy,free,and get married.Gay marriage is not a bad thing if they fall in love there is nothing you can cheang, gays should be treted equale like every other hummanbeang.Gays should have a right to be happy like every one eals and get merried...

3/19/2013
Denver/Colorado

Olivia
Mumby/John F. Kennedy High School
I feel that homosexual couples should be aloud to marry whomever they love, because when you really think about it homosexuality is observed in over 1,500 animal species. People say that liking the same gender is "unnatural" when they believe that celibacy is completely normal when it has not been observed in any other species other then humans, so they have no room to say whats right and whats wrong. Love is love even little kids know that.

3/15/2013
Wisconsin

Maddi
Shattuck Middle
Same-sex marriage should be accepted every where. Back then, it was different but now, in this generation, we are more diverse and in schools, they are teaching us to be more accepting of others.

3/4/2013
Washington DC

TOny
Gonzaga College High School
1) Civil marriage licenses are not one of the limited, enumerated powers of the federal government--it is therefore the domain of the states.
2) A state may limit marriage as a mixed-sex couple without violating civil rights because civil rights are individual rights--not pairwise rights. So in a state where civil marriage is limited to a mixed-sex couple, a gay person is free to enter into a mixed-sex civil marriage. They are not being discriminated against based on their sexual orientation. It would be a violation of civil rights if states made heterosexuality a condition to enter into a mixed-sex civil marriage contract.
DOMA is trickier. DOMA may cause the federal government to treat mixed-sex couples as married, but same-sex couples as single. The federal government has to do this because they impart extrinsic benefits to married persons (e.g. income tax), and therefore have to define a uniform standard across all states. But still no discrimination because the distinction is not the sexual orientation of the individuals, but rather the marital status according to the uniform definition. That is not to say that, ideally, federal tax policy and other policy should be made marital status-neutral in order to maximize individual economic freedom.

2/27/2013
Vancouver Washington

Linda
Morrison/ Hudson's Bay highschool
Opponents of same-sex unions main arguement is basically that it goes against the Bible because it says that a union is only between man and women. However, the supporters have a better arguement. Their arguement is saying that if Heterosexuals have rights, they should too. Which is honestly correct in my opinion. This controversial act goes against the 14th amendment. whatever happened to freedom of expression? LET THERE BE SAME-SEX UNIONS!

2/11/2013
tumwater, washington

logan
bms
really its no ones business if two people of the same sex want to get married. personally im for same-sex marriage, and i think its great.

2/6/2013
Harrisburg PA

Nicole
Central dauphin school district
Same- sex marriage should not be banned because its the persons own right who he/she want to be married to. The government should stay out of the personal intimate life of its people.

1/30/2013
Connecticut

Andrew
Bristow
I believe wholeheartedly that there should be equal marriage rights

1/11/2013
Sidney/Montana

vickie j.
Mr.Faulhaber/Sidney High School
personally i believe that anybody should be able to marry who they want, if you are in love what the heck, who are you hurting? I believe if hetrosexuals are able to have multiple marriages and divorces, why cant a homosexual have one marriage?

1/10/2013
IA

Kheryssa
Roosevelt
Well, I love all people, gay, straight, human, alien, and anything in between so I believe anyone should be able to get married to the one they love. <3

1/8/2013
Indiana

Paul
IPFW
In principle, I'd say marriage was instituted as a medium for procreation (while there are many other parts, this one cannot be ignored). While some heterosexual (infertile, elderly, etc.) couples can't/don't reproduce, in regards to the former stipulation of "IN PRINCIPLE", they "can". A marriage fails to be a marriage when it violates this principle, so 'marriages' made by states should not be called marriages, and not recognized by the church. If homosexuals wish to have all the LEGAL rights held by a hetero couple, I say that's fine. But do not call it a marriage. You cannot remove marriage from religion because it IS a religious institution, (just adapted by the state). Whether you want it to be or not. If a marriage differs from the original definition, it isn't a marriage.

12/29/2012
Montgomery, TX

Savannah W.
Montgomery High School
The 14th ammendment says "No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws." The ban on gay marriage does violate this law until the fight gets to the supreme court because then the "due process of law" would have taken full circle. I think that judge Walker saying this proposition is unconstitutional doesn't matter because no matter what the decision is one side will try to appeal this decision. In my opinion gay marriage should be allowed!

12/29/2012
Montgomery, TX

Savannah
Montgomery High School
The 14th ammendment says "No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws." The ban on gay marriage does violate this law until the fight gets to the supreme court because then the "due process of law" would have taken full circle. I think that judge Walker saying this proposition is unconstitutional doesn't matter because no matter what the decision is one side will try to appeal this decision. In my opinion i think gay marriages should be accepted.

12/17/2012
Iowa

Dallas
North Middle School
It seems as if it violates separation of church and state, because if you ask anybody where it says homosexuality is wrong, they will 99/100 times say (insert religious text here).

12/14/2012
Beverly hills, Michigan

Alison
Babcock, Berkshire
This is the stupidest thing EVER!!!! Gays should be aloud to marry. Who cares about a coupls gender?! Isn't the love and care in the family that matters?! I know people with 2 dads and they are fine. GO GAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

12/14/2012
Eskridge, Ks

Taylor
Mission Valley High
How can someone use the whole 'if they have children, the child won't fare as well as they would with a mother or a father"? A lot of children in the United States have just one mother or just one father or not parents and a lot of them turn out just fine so how is that a valid reason to completely ban same sex marriage? I just don't understand resources like that.

12/10/2012
California

Brianna
MCHS
I don't see a difference. Love is love. Whether it be between a man and a woman, man and a man or a woman and a woman.

12/10/2012
CA

Yovana
MHS
I believe Judge Walker ruled correctly in overturning Proposition 8. A ban on gay marriage does violate the equal protection clause as its intent is to provide that the application of law is the same for all classes. There is supposed to be a separation of church and state, so the government should leave religion based reason to ban gay marriage out of this. I would rule for gay marriage, it is their lives not ours and it has no effect on others whatsoever.

12/9/2012
California

Melissa
Monache
Yes they do. Gay marriage should be of no concern to the government and should therefor not be regulated.

12/6/2012
Montgomery Texas

Katelyn
Bill Metzgar/Montgomery Highschool.
First, i want to say that this comment is not meant to step on toes or be judgemental, this is the honest truth. (I do not in any way hate or dislike gay people.) This country was based on the Bible. We don't go to other countries and tell them how to run their government and they can't include their God and their religious teachings in schools. Our country was founded on God, "One nation Under God". God brings the Bible, and if you believe in one part you have to believe in the whole bible. "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm–neither hot nor cold–I am about to spit you out of my mouth."--Revelation 3:15-16 Now, knowing this i have done extensive research on gay marriage in the Bible,.
One scripture that backs up that fact that gay marriage is wrong is in Genesis "And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. Then the rib which the LORD God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man. And Adam said: ‘This is now bone of my bones And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man.’ Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh."- Genesis 2:21-24 In these scriptures God demonstrates the ideal family and which he designed from the begining. Another plain and cut scripture that states homosexuality and homosexual marriage is wrong is Leviticus 18:22 "You shall not lie with a male as a woman. It is an abomination." Homosexuality is against the Bible and as a country founded under God we should all we trying our best to follow his word that means not allowing things that will only keep people further away from God. Yes, Homosexuality pushes people away from God, the Bible tells us that sin seperates us from God, and i have just proved that it is a sin.

11/17/2012
Olathe, KS

Tiffany T.
Olathe South Senior High
you can not tell anyone who they can and can not love. And for those who base their decision off the Bible you should probably look up Galatians 3:28. The Bible completly contradicts itself. Get a new source.

10/30/2012
Sidney, MT

Jim
Mr Faulhaber SHS
Its Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve...

10/30/2012
Sidney, Mt

Whitney
Mr. Faulhaber
I believe that people should have the right to marry whoever they want. You shouldn't judge people by who they are going to marry. So what if they are the same sex, it's their right so let them do it. If same-sex couples are in love and want to be together for the rest of their lives then our government shouldn't be able to stop them. The government shouldn't be discriminating against these people, that is wrong.

10/24/2012
Watertown, ma

Cameron/Meg
Mr. Rimas
Yes, banning gay marriage is unconstitutional. The government should not discriminate against men/women because of their sexual preference. You do not choose your orientation, it is simply genetics. Being gay does not make you less human and orientation should not contribute to the rights one is given

10/17/2012
Ledyard

Rachel D
Ledyard High School
Americans should be able to marry whomever their heart desires. Judge Walkers ruling to overturn Prop. 8 ruled perfectly against the unconstitutional law. Marriage is about 2 people that love each other, there should be no laws in the way. Homosexuals are just as human as straight citizens therefore their rights should be the same. Same-sex law should not even be an issue, America is about freedom: allow marriage freely.

10/16/2012
CT

Deanna D
Ledyard High School
Judge Vaughn Walker ruled correctly in saying that banning gay marriage is unconstitutional. By making homosexual marriage illegal, the government is not being fair and discriminating against them. People argue that marriage is a large part of our society; therefore marriage should not be limited. If something is so important to keeping a country together then it should not be stopped, if anything the government should try for different types of marriage so there are different points of view for subjects. Also banning gay marriage does not follow several of the five principles of democracy. Based on those principles everyone should be treated equally, however homosexuals are being denied their right to marriage and to love whoever they chose. The Constitution and America are founded on those ideas of democracy and yet we are breaking them. Not allowing gay marriage to occur is not following the foundation that the United States was built upon.

10/15/2012
Ledyard

Brandi F
Ledyard High School
Prop 8 IS unconstitutional because everyone no matter your sexual orientation should be allowed to be in love and be happily married to whoever they want. I also believe that Propostition 8 does violate the equal protection clause of the Constitution because the gay people are not being treated fairly by the goverenment if they aren't allowed to be married to the person they love just because people are homophobic or believe that it would be a sin to have same-sex marriage. The people that wanted Proposititon 8 are just going to have to learn that one way or another that the people that support same-sex marriage WILL find a way to have it be legal and to be happily married to whoever they want

10/15/2012
Ledyard/CT

mmbecker44
Galante/Ledyard
I believe he certainly did the right thing. Every American citizen should have the right to marry whomever they please. It is unconstitutional to tell them otherwise. If other people do not like it and don't believe in it, then they can turn the other way, because it would not directly affect them and they can marry in a heterosexual relationship if they please as well. It is selfish and incredibly rude to tell a couple it is illegal to love each other through marriage for as long as they live. Gay parents are just as eligible to be successful as a straight couple. States who make it illegal to marry as a homosexual couple are just simply ignorant and selfish. America is all about change, so lets prove it.

2/26/2012
Fort Atkinson

Tina
Fort Atkinson high school
YES... he did the right thing. People are pathetic. We were against slavery as a whole and judging them but yet we are repeating our same mistakes as we did back then. This is AMERICA and we are equal. we are to have the same rights. SO how does it effect you if another couple in love gets married? it doesnt. What is the world coming to these days. I am not gay but i think all people are the same. Stop this war! it is against the constitution and people need to stop being bias and open there eyes. I would and do stand with Walker's choice

10/19/2011
Sidney/MT

Katey
Fontana/Sidney
No.

10/19/2011
Sidney, MT

Sam Wick
Ms. Fontana/Sidney HIgh School
I believe that Judge Walker did the right thing with getting rid of Proposition 8 because in my opinion same sex marriages are the same as a man and a woman being married. Just because they are in Love with another man or a woman is in Love with another woman doesn't mean they can't get what they deserve and that is the recongnition that they are Married. Saying that children wouldn't grow as well as a child with a mother and father is just a pitiful excuse. The opposers, I feel, are looking for any gateway that will help them win their case which is completely unfair. Worry about your own children and maybe the children who have no home life because their mother brings home a guy almost every night, or their parents fight like no other, or they are into heavy drugs. Target those people before targetting how a gay couple will raise their child if they are so worried about the children. I would rule that Proposition 8 is unconstitutional because if blind people would open their eyes and actually read it they would find that it is very unconstitutional.

10/7/2011
Sidney MT

Tyler
Mr. Faulhaber
I believe that gay marriage bans violate the Constitution's equal protection clause. Heterosexual couples recieve over one thousand rights that unmarried couples do not, including healthcare and other important advantages. Homosexuals should be able to make medical decisions for their partners in an emergency. Same sex couples are not asking for special rights, just equal rights as heterosexual couples.

10/7/2011
Sidney Montana

Tyler
Mr. Faulhaber/Sidney High School
The Equal Protection Clause does not say specifically the marriage should be between a man and a woman. I say that if two men love each other, or if two women love each other, the law can not stop them from feeling that way. Any attempt by the government of this nation to tell a person that they cannot be married to another individual of the same sex should be ruled unconstitutional.

10/14/2010

Heaven
SHS, Sidney/MT
They do. But that's irrelevant. Marriage involves a priest and is thusly a religious act, and if religion doesn't want us to be married than we shouldn't be able to say, "Hey man, not cool. Change the Bible so I can be happy." Speaking as someone who recently found a religion, I've realized that religion was built on historical belief, not moral belief, and you can't change some rule made in the past just because you don't like it. Religion is not an ever-changing idea like democracy--it is what it was what it is what it will be forever.

9/30/2010

Megan
Sidney High School, Sidney, MT
I believe that same-sex couples should have to right to get married. They aren't hurting anyone. The divorce rate in this country has been getting higher and higher, and if two people are in love and they want to stay together for the rest of their lives, then we shouldn't stop them. Same-sex couples may be able to help lower our divorce rates because they are in love and fighting for their right of marriage brings them closer.

9/7/2010

Sarah
BCMHS, Vacaville, Ca
It was entirely unjust and wrong to overturn Prop 8. This proposition was meant to give the people of the state a choice to make marriage law for only a man and a woman. Since this is the meaning of marriage, allowing homosexual people the right to marry would be a violation. This has NOTHING to do with protecting the rights of homosexuals at all. Marriage is something sacred, holy, and moral that shouldn’t be changed all of a sudden. It has been in place for an extremely long time, way before Christ was born. I think it was right to present the people with this proposition, but the whole point of it was to be implemented, whichever way the vote weighed.

8/30/2010

MaRyiah
Marmaton Valley, Kansas
the constitution was meant to give EVERYBODY their rights and to protect them. not to pick and choose who gets what rights because of their sexuality.

8/20/2010

Cindy
Buckingham , California
Prop 8 is a violation to some people's rights. Eveyone should be free to marry whom ever they want to marry Some people(parents) are really picky and do not allow their children to hang around a person who is what we call gay. Being gay is not a diseas so i belive hanginng out with a gay person or being one is normal. A person can make of their life what they want and if that includes being gay. Then it's okay. A person should be able to do whatever makes them happy.Prop 8 is unfair and violates the constitution's equal protection clause.

8/20/2010

Chris
Buckingham Charter Magnet High School, CA
I believe that this overturning of Prop. 8 is wrong. The people voted for this proposition was to pass. Yes, we have the right to life, liberty, property, and the pursuit of happiness, but obviously people were legitemately unhappy about this. Thus the formation of Proposition 8.

8/20/2010

Hanna
BCMHS, Vacaville, CA
I believe that gay marriage bans violate the Constitution's equal protection clause. Heterosexual couples recieve over one thousand rights that unmarried couples do not, including healthcare and other important advantages. Homosexuals should be able to make medical decisions for their partners in an emergency. Same sex couples are not asking for special rights, just equal rights as heterosexual couples.

8/20/2010

lorenzo
buckingham, vacaville
constitutionally it seems that the 14th ammendmant is being violated by not protecting the rights of homosexual marriage. personally when putting myself in their shoes i can understand why they would speak out against the ban

8/20/2010

Alyssa
BCMHS, Vacaville, CA
WIth my morals, I do not think that Judge Walker ruled correctly in overturning Prop 8. I don't think that a ban on same-sex marriage violates the equal protection clause of the Constitution. If I was a judge on the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals I would rule to keep Prop 8 banned. No one is saying that they can't be together, just that for them to get married is not right.

8/20/2010

Dave
BCMHS, Vacaville CA
I think that we need a new Constitution

8/20/2010

john
bcmhs, vacaville
For one no matter how you view this issue no judge should have the power to turn down the people's will. Secondly not only did the the decision rest on a liberal judge in San Fransico but that same judge was also a homosexual, thus to say that he judged based on what the constition says is absurbed. -THink about it- Everyone one is protected under the constition with no exception, but the constition also states that it is to serve the will of the people. So the question is what gives this one judge, who already has a bais on the law, the right to overturn the 52% majority who voted for prop 8. Furthermore, since this case is about constitionality then why are we going agianst the constitution to resolve it? After all we the people are the governments power, so why do they go against are wishes and what the majority demands? One lat thought, whether or not you believe in God or in evolution they share one thing in commom, and that is a bielf that things be natural, thus being homosexual is not in any way, shape, or form natural. This ideal goes agianst everthing mothernature is about and no matter how many surgeries you go through you will also be what you were at birth.

8/20/2010

Kenzi
BCMHS, CA
The only valid argument I have heard against same sex marriage is that marriage is a religious institution However, if that is the case, I shouldn't be allowed to get married either because I am not religious. Others say that if we could just make a new word for same sex marriage everybody would be happy. Are we supposed to make a new word for every different religious group, each with different rules and rights? That isn’t equal at all; that is segregating people. Banning marriage for any group is a violation of the equal protection clause. All other arguments against same sex marriage is purely based on the people’s feelings on homosexuality itself and have nothing to do with the law, the constitution, and what is truly fair. Of course a large majority of the public does not agree with homosexuality; they’re straight. The court is supposed to stay separate from the church and always be unbiased. Judge Walker was right to rule Prop 8 as unconstitutional.

8/20/2010

Remy
BCMHS, Vacaville, CA.
I think everyone should be able to marry whom they want to, regardless of sexual orientation. When I try to talk to people who are against same-sex marriages, almost every one of them tells me it goes against the Bible. The excuse that gay people shouldn’t marry because it goes against Christian beliefs is a ludicrous explanation; if that were actually true, Atheists, Hindus, Jews, and other religions wouldn’t be able to have the delight in marriage. Whatever happened to the separation of church and state? Of course it violates the fourteenth amendment. We are setting back our country because we aren’t granting the complete rights to the people who need them most. It’s just the same as biracial couples not being able to get married because of their color or women not being able to vote because of their gender: We think it’s stupid and they should be able to do regular things, because they’re regular people, like anyone else. If a person is opposed to gay marriage, don’t get one and don’t attend one.

8/20/2010

Jordan
BCMHS, Vacaville, CA
While I understand the difficult task of judging whether or not gay marriage is constitutional, I believe the judge made the wrong decision in this instance. I know that many people believe Prop 8 is unconstitutional because heterosexuals are allowed to marry, so homosexuals should be as well. However, I don't believe it is acceptable to change what has been the definition of marriage for centuries, which is a union between one man and one woman.

8/20/2010

Cassie
Buckingham Charter Magnet High School, Vacaville, California
i agree with the over-ruiling, because gay marage should be allowed due to the constitutional fact that everyone has basic rights. The ban of gay marrage does violate the 14th Amendment, because thats when they rulled that everyone has rights, regardless of color, sex, ect. If they now are saying that gay marrage is not allowed, then thats a violation of the rights guarenteed in the 14th Amendment.

8/20/2010

Saschia
Buckingham, Vacaville, CA
The concept of marriage is for two people to become one person and work in unity with each other. Technically, two people of the same gender can not physically become one in the way that we were created. They can work alongside each other and work in unity, but technically they were not created to become one physically. If two people of the same gender desire to be united, then I believed that they should receive a different type of document that states their unity rather than a marriage license. I have difficulty accepting the term marriage because of this. I'm not against gay or lesbians. I see them equal to anyone else in society. I just don't think that their union should be considered marriage because they can not fully carry out the definition.

8/20/2010

Danielle
BCMHS, Vacavillle CA.
The 14th ammendment says "No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws." The ban on gay marriage does violate this law until the fight gets to the supreme court because then the "due process of law" would have taken full circle. I think that judge Walker saying this proposition is unconstitutional doesn't matter because no matter what the decision is one side will try to appeal this decision.

8/20/2010

Aaron
BCMHS, Vacaville,CA
The jugde in my opinion did not rule correctly, it was choosen by the voters that proposition 8 passed. She might think it was unconstitutional, yet it had a fair vote and it was passed. It is true that every man is equal, yet i wouldnt want my children to learn that gay marrige is ok or liking someone of the same sex is ok. So technically you cant really say its fair yet you can have an opinion and many disagree with it. I agree with Prop 8, i dont think gay marrige should be legal.

8/20/2010

Carrissa
BCMHS, Vacaville, Ca
Yes, I beblieve Judge Walker ruled correctly in overturning popisition eight.I also believe that a ban on same sex marriage does violate the fourteenth amendment. The amendment states that "no state should make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property without due process of law; nor deny any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the law." In Plessy v Ferguson, the court upheld a Louisiana law that segregates railroad cars, reasoning that if the law provides equal accomodations it does not violate the fourteenth amendment. With this, banning homosexuals the right to marry does not follow equality to all citizens. Therefore, with the above said a ban on gay marriage does violate the fourteenth amendment.

8/20/2010

Jackson
BCMHS, Vacaville CA
Okay. So we have someone saying that homosexuals are not natural. Well okay, let’s think about what is natural. Can we say that natural is defined by if many other species do it? Because some 1,500+ species have been observed in homosexual behavior. Can we say that natural is what humans have been doing for a long time? Because homosexuals have been around since as far back as we know really. Can we say that natural is what is physiologically stimulating? Because.. let's just say that's been proven wrong too. Can we say that natural is being able to procreate? Because if that's the case, then that means if you aren't going to make a baby, it's unnatural and shouldn't be done. If we’re going to throw out all of those definitions of what is natural, then I am not sure what we have left? (Natural dictated by the practices of modern Mormons? Well that just seems problematic.)

8/20/2010

Jackson
BCMHS, Vacaville CA
"No one is saying that they can't be together, just that for them to get married is not right." you're right, no one is saying we can't be together, but that's not the point. we want to be together and have our state and country recognize that we are in fact together and have that state protect us and our spouse like any other couple. civil unions ARE NOT the same. they have 1000+ less rights shared by the two parties than a civil marriage. and many years ago, there was this one little decision, the separation of CHURCH and STATE for purposes exactly like this. they wanted to make sure the church to be unable to influence the state because this was a country for the free where people of any religion and creed can come and share in that freedom, safe from persecution. and no matter how you feel about marriage, it's a legal union, legal as in the state. we don't want to invade on your sacred "holy matrimony" we was a "legal marriage" that's all. you keep your priests and your pastors. we don't want them. also, on the subject of the "definition of marriage." it has not always been "one man, one woman." for thousands of years it was, "one man and as many wives as he wanted because he could do that." it's only been "one man and one woman" for under 2000 years. the bible used to endorse polygamy. your religion changed the definition of marriage. if you can do it, why can't i? if we're going to stick with the "original" definition of marriage, let's go back all the way.

8/20/2010

cid
Vanden High, Vacaville CA
and again with the "i don't want my children learning that 'it's okay to be gay'" let's rewind 70-ish years. people were saying "i don't want my children growing up thinking it's okay to be with a black person." it was the same principle. the same exact principle. now you want to say "yeah but that was wrong, this is different" no. sorry to break it to you but it is no different. people were being discriminated for WHO THEY WERE. and cue "but it's a choice to be gay" oh yes yes yes, i forgot, all those gays on christopher street in 1969 at the stonewall riots who were getting beaten and killed, and matthew shephard, the 21 year old boy who, on october 7th 1998, was taken out to the countryside near Laramie, Wyoming and savagely beaten and tortured into a bloody coma, and tied to a fence for 18 hours, just for trying to get a ride home and revealing that he was gay, and he died five days later because his injuries were too severe to operate on, him and everyone at stonewall chose to be gay, they chose to get beaten, they chose to die. and because of the hate that spawns from your words, gay people still are beaten and die every year. whether they get hazed by some random stranger or class mate, or whether because of all the hate directed towards them, they are so psychologically damaged, that they have no other way out than to kill themselves. you think about that the next time you want to take rights away from a gay person. i hold each and every person who stand against gay rights responsible for every death, suicide or murder, of a gay person due to hate and homophobia. because your "innocent" ideals and "morals" undeniably will spawn hate. I used to be christian, and i know that jesus preached love, and nothing else. think about that.

8/12/2010

Cid
bcmhs, CA
Gay marriages should be accepted

8/12/2010

Jackson
BCMHS, Vacaville, CA
A ban on gay marriage is a violation of the equal protection under the law clause. Every American citizen is protected and has the same rights as every other American citizen under the law. Sexual orientation is no exception.